Photos: Alexey Komarov (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Koruldi Lakes
Svaneti · Mountains
About Koruldi Lakes
Tours Including Koruldi Lakes
See the tour
Moderate
Must-See Attractions
Ushba reflection
The largest lake faces Ushba; mornings are usually calmest and clearest.
Mestia Cross viewpoint
A large metal cross at about 2,150 m looks down on Mestia's towers and the Mestiachala valley.
Koruldi ridge
Above the lakes the ridge climbs towards 3,300 m; only for experienced hikers with a guide.
Nearby
Mestia
Svaneti's main town with its tower houses and museum, directly below (about 1 h down by 4x4).
Chalaadi Glacier
Easy valley walk to the glacier snout, about 8 km from Mestia by car plus 1–1.5 h on foot.
Hatsvali
Ski area with a chairlift above Mestia, about 15 min by car from town.
Good to know
- Getting there
About 10 km above Mestia by a steep, rough 4x4 track (about 1 h); Mestia itself is about 460 km (8–9 h) from Tbilisi via Zugdidi.
- Best time
July–September
- Best time
From July the snow has gone and the track is open; September brings clearer air and fewer walkers, while in June the lakes may still be partly frozen.
- Recommended stay
Half a day to a full day
- Walking
From Mestia on foot it is roughly 14–20 km return with about 1,300–1,400 m of ascent, 6–9 h; from the Mestia Cross it is about 4 h return on a jeep track.
- Getting there
Local 4x4 drivers in Mestia run trips to the Cross or to the lakes; we arrange the vehicle.
- What to bring
Warm and waterproof layers, sun protection and plenty of water; there are no shops or springs you can rely on above the Cross.
- Heads-up
Weather changes fast at this altitude; start early, as clouds often cover Ushba by early afternoon.
- Season
Snow can cover the lakes until late June.